Starting in August, Flinders University is to offer an intensive course in digital special effects in partnership with one of the world’s leading visual effects (VFX) companies, Adelaide-based Rising Sun Pictures.

Rising Sun has provided special effects and computer generated sequences for movies including The Hunger Games and Prometheus, and for films in the Harry Potter series.

A memorandum of understanding between Flinders and Rising Sun, signed today by Rising Sun Pictures director Mr Wayne Lewis (left) and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, Humanities and Law, Professor Richard Maltby (right), allows for a 10-week intensive training program that will give completing students either a postgraduate qualification or a series of industry certificates.

Professor Maltby said the initiative was an exciting one, and builds on the University’s commitment to practical involvement with the local film industry.

Screen and Media Studies lecturer Dr Mike Walsh said Rising Sun was one of the most prominent companies of its kind, not only in Australia but in the world.

“We are very happy to be working with them on this,” Dr Walsh said.

“Students will be taught and trained by very high profile people in a professional VFX company using the latest software technologies such as Maya and Nuke.

“This is an area we have been developing in our Digital Media offerings.

“In terms of requirements, we will be looking for people who have both a passion and some creative skills in this area.”

Information about the course can be found at http://www.rsp.com.au/flinders/index.htm or by phoning Mr Theodor Wyeld at Flinders on (08) 8201 3264.